Anyone Else with this problem?

[freespirit114]

For years, anytime I get a cold or allergy attack, I also get urgency and frequency problems. Does this happen to any of you? Would unrelated problems such as colds, etc. cause a flare?

[Mimi-in-Chicagoland]

Yes, that is classic IC. Don't know why, but I can count on a flare if I get a sinus infection, cold or the flu.

[Sarojini]

When you get sick with a viral or bacterial infection, even if it's in your sinuses, your body releases all kinds of inflammatory mediators that course through your bloodstream (which is why you feel so lousy). They are signals to your immune system to kick into high gear, because there are foreign invaders in your body it needs to fight These can include pro-inflammatory cytokines and histamine -- both of which can get an IC bladder going into flare in a heartbeat.

In addition, if you get a cold and take decongestants, those can irritate the bladder too---many patients say they need to use more natural remedies to unstuff their poor noses because OTC decongestant pills make them flare right off (me included).

So... yeah, lots of us get the cold-related flare... it stinks :mad:

[kadi]

Yes, that happens to me too.

[freespirit114]

Very interesting!! I thought I was the only one in the world that this happened to. LOL This makes me think that I've had IC a lot longer than I thought I did. This has been going on for many years. Since I always tested negative for UTIs, I assumed I was ok. Of course, the doctors never suggested IC, as has happened to most of us.

[kelly McC]

I have had same symptoms for about 5 years with allergies,colds and such ...
What was intersting to me was I tried all kinds of allergy meds and finally shots nothing seemed to help my allergies till be diagnosed with IC . Now on my meds for whatever reason my allergies are much better.
Kelly

[tigger_gal]

IC is basicly and autoimmune disease, so when your immune system is fighting an infection you seem to have a worse flare..... when my fibro acts up so dose my ic... seems like I am in a forever flare...... like so many others..
hugs
brat